Illinois Democratic Party stalwarts emerged from their national convention Thursday night energized by President Barack Obama’s acceptance speech, while acknowledging they have a tough few months of campaigning ahead of November’s elections.

A Chicago-area man designated as a terrorist is suing the federal government so he can do simple things like buy newspapers or gifts for his wife. Muhammad Salah, an American of Palestinian descent, was designated a terrorist in 1995. The designation means Americans are prohibited from engaging in financial transactions with him, which has made living in Chicago’s suburbs difficult.